Some US employers to drop GLP-1 coverage in 2027
Some employers are planning to drop coverage of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss next year as more people take the medications, counteracting some savings from lower prices for Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Foundayo.
About 10% of employers who now cover GLP-1 drugs for weight-loss said they planned to drop the drugs in 2027, according to the Business Group on Health, a policy research group for large employers.
A second survey by benefits consultancy Mercer said 5% of large employers — which it defines as employing over 500 people — plan to drop coverage of the drugs in 2027.
Mercer said 44% of companies with more than 500 employees cover the drugs for obesity. Data from the Business Group on Health show 67% of large employers cover GLP-1s in 2026.
Health insurer Cigna ceased coverage of the weight-loss treatments for its own employees effective July, Reuters first reported this month, saying they could buy the medicines elsewhere.
Newer pills for weight loss, as well as injections from Novo and Lilly, are available through the drugmakers’ own websites at discounted prices, driven by a deal with the Trump administration for its site TrumpRx.gov.
Tagged: Healthcare BACK TO HOMEPAGE